The Unholy

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 2, 2021

Genre
Horror, Supernatural, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Gerry Fenn
• Cricket Brown as Alice Pagett
• William Sadler as Father Hagan
• Katie Aselton as Natalie Gates
• Cary Elwes as Bishop Gyles
• Diogo Morgado as Monsignor Delgarde

Director
Evan Spiliotopoulos

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut (previously known for screenwriting work on Beauty and the Beast (2017) and The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016))

Producer
Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, Evan Spiliotopoulos

Writer
Evan Spiliotopoulos (screenplay), based on the book Shrine by James Herbert

Budget
Estimated $10 million

Production Company
Ghost House Pictures, Screen Gems

Running Time
99 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13 (for violence, disturbing images, and language)

Content Advisory

• Intense supernatural horror
• Disturbing imagery
• Religious themes
• Some violence and language

Movie Story
The Unholy follows the story of Gerry Fenn (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a disgraced journalist who is desperate to revive his career. While investigating a strange occurrence in a small town in New England, he stumbles upon what seems to be a miraculous event. A young deaf girl named Alice Pagett (Cricket Brown) suddenly regains her hearing and speech after claiming to have been visited by the Virgin Mary. As news of this miracle spreads, Alice begins performing other seemingly divine healings, attracting large crowds and the attention of the Catholic Church.

However, as Gerry digs deeper into the phenomenon, he begins to suspect that the entity communicating with Alice may not be as holy as it appears. Disturbing visions and unexplained deaths suggest that something sinister is at work, using the guise of faith to manipulate and deceive. As the true nature of the entity is revealed, Gerry and the townspeople must confront the terrifying reality that this “miracle” may actually be a curse.

The Unholy explores themes of faith, deception, and the dangers of blind belief, with a story that blends religious horror with supernatural thriller elements. The film builds tension as the mystery of Alice’s visions unfolds, leading to a climactic confrontation between good and evil.

Special Effects
The special effects in The Unholy are primarily focused on creating eerie and unsettling supernatural occurrences. The film uses a mix of practical effects and CGI to bring the malevolent entity to life, including shadowy apparitions, unnatural movements, and disturbing visual transformations. The use of lighting and sound design enhances the film’s atmosphere, creating a sense of dread and tension that permeates the story. The visual effects are effective in conveying the horror of the entity’s presence, particularly in scenes where religious imagery is twisted into something dark and terrifying.

Box Office Performance
The Unholy was released in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic and managed to perform reasonably well given the circumstances, grossing over $30 million worldwide. The film found an audience among horror fans, particularly those interested in supernatural and religious-themed horror. It also became available on digital platforms, where it continued to attract viewers.

Filming Locations

• Massachusetts, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Mary wants you to believe in her. But she’s not the Virgin you think she is.” – Gerry Fenn
• “Miracles don’t happen without sacrifice.” – Bishop Gyles
• “Faith without doubt is like a body without a soul.” – Monsignor Delgarde

Behind-the-Scenes

• The Unholy is based on the novel Shrine by James Herbert, a well-known author of horror fiction. The film adaptation shifts the setting to the United States and updates certain elements for a modern audience.
• The film was produced by Sam Raimi, a veteran of the horror genre known for his work on the Evil Dead series and other horror films. His influence can be seen in the film’s blend of suspense and supernatural horror.
• This film marks Evan Spiliotopoulos’s directorial debut, having previously worked as a screenwriter on various high-profile projects.

Awards

• None, but the film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its atmosphere and performances, particularly by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, but some criticism for its reliance on genre tropes.

Final Verdict
The Unholy is a chilling supernatural horror film that combines religious themes with eerie atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling. Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a strong performance as the conflicted journalist, and the film effectively builds tension as it delves into the dark side of faith. While it may not break new ground in the genre, The Unholy offers enough scares and intriguing moments to satisfy fans of supernatural horror. Its exploration of belief, deception, and the potential for evil to masquerade as good makes it a thought-provoking addition to the genre.

IMDb Rating
5.1/10